1.   Bond prices generally rise when interest rates are falling because investors can lock in fixed returns.

2.   But more importantly, the strategy also allowed investors to lock in profits without paying any capital gains tax.

3.   By beginning the transaction this year and waiting until next year to close it, the investor can lock in capital gains and postpone tax payments.

4.   Falling interest rates increase the appeal of bonds because investors can lock in fixed returns.

5.   Falling interest rates usually increase the appeal of investments such as bonds, which let investors lock in fixed returns.

6.   Investors lock in a rate at the outset and avoid the risk of having to reinvest periodic interest payments at lower rates.

7.   Offerings such as the Los Angeles Harbor sale allowed investors to lock in long-term bonds that offer the chance for greater returns as bonds rally.

8.   Still, by buying shares of the Franklin fund, investors are locking themselves in a box that depends on the performance of health care stocks.

9.   That tactic, often used at year-end, allows investors to lock in profits without incurring the tax liability that would result from an outright sale.

10.   With futures and options, an investor locks in a purchase or sale price on a certain security or asset.